Photo by Pixbay

As part of the ever-popular ‘Thursday Thoughts’ web trend, every Thursday we like to share some Team Fuze musings.  Previously, we’ve shared a series of blogs on how we can be the best possible version of ourselves, but this week sees the beginning of a new series of blogs where we’re going to be taking a look at customs and traditions from around the world, paying particular attention to the milestones of life.  Today we’re shining the spotlight on the most significant of all milestones, birth.

Customs and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next along with words of wisdom and experience and play a huge part in creating a sense of community and belonging.  Historically, cultures throughout the world have practiced very different customs and traditions when it comes to the birth of a child, but while celebrations may vary, it is generally considered a time of joy and happiness.  In the UK and Ireland, many families still practice the following traditions when they welcome their newborns into the their families:

Crossing the palm with silver

To bring a newborn baby luck, Brits cross the baby’s palm with silver (albeit briefly for safety).  A silver coin is placed in the baby’s hand and it is said that should the baby grasp the coin tight he or she will grow into a frugal adult.  However, should the coin be dropped he or she will not be good with money.  It is thought this practice also brought wealth to the baby.

Wetting the baby’s head  

This custom takes its name from the Christian Baptismal/Christening ceremony where the baby‘s head is sprinkled with holy water from the font as he/she is blessed. Today, this phrase relates to the baby’s father and friends heading off to the pub to celebrate the birth of the new baby by consuming rather a lot of alcohol, and with the father being congratulated on his virility!!

After nine months of raging hormones and no booze, perhaps it should be the mother heading off for a celebration and a glass or two of prosecco?!